Is Google Replacing The Internet You Know?

Is Google replacing the internet you know? In a new Lex Fridman interview, the Google CEO breaks down what’s really going on with AI mode, how it plays with the old-school 10 blue links, and why the internet might look totally different in five years.

Let’s be honest: this is the biggest search shakeup since AdSense dropped in the 2000s.

Google’s AI mode: A smarter way to scroll?

The old Google was minimalist. White page, search box, links. Boring but effective.

Now? You’re getting AI overviews, summaries, even full conversations in AI mode. Think ChatGPT, but with receipts (and search underneath). Pichai says it’s not replacing classic search—yet. But it’s the first serious crack in the foundation.

They call it “query fan-out”—basically, Gemini does a ton of behind-the-scenes searching, packages it up, and lets you vibe with the results. You’re still getting links, but you might not feel the need to click.

What this means for non-English speakers (and the planet)

One of the most underrated parts of this? Language.

Lex points out that Gemini unlocks English-heavy content for the rest of the world. For users whose web is limited by language, AI mode turns those walls into windows.

That means more people reading about global warming issues, more folks understanding global warming problems, and more access to scientific, political, and environmental info that would otherwise stay stuck behind English-only gates.

The ad question: When does AI start making money?

Lex poked at the real question: When do the ads show up?

Pichai played it cool—ads will come later, and they’ll be “classy.” No blinking GIFs. Just “commercial information” that feels useful.

This isn’t just about monetizing AI mode. It’s about reshaping the ad game itself. Picture a future where AI slips a product rec into your summary without making it feel gross. That’s the goal. And if they nail it, it could be AdSense 2.0.

Will the 10 blue links survive?

For now, yes. But the writing’s on the wall.

Pichai says AI mode is a separate tab for the “bleeding edge” crowd, but as the tech gets better, those features will slide into the main page. Slowly. Quietly.

This isn’t about removing the web. It’s about reordering it. AI first, links second.

Which… is exactly why journalists are sweating.

Journalism vs the algorithm

Lex didn’t hold back—AI’s better at summaries, more objective, and way faster than your average news cycle. And he’s not wrong.

Pichai insists Google Search still values journalism. But it’s clear the power dynamic is shifting. Crowdsourced info, Reddit threads, forum gold—they’re getting elevated while traditional outlets fight for clicks.

Still, both sides matter. If AI’s the context machine, journalists are the source material. The best search experience? Probably needs both.

A web for humans and a web for bots

Pichai dropped a wild thought: the internet might split.

One version for us—mobile-friendly, human-readable, rich with vibes.

One version for AI agents—pure data, clean markup, no fluff.

AI could design both. It could even decide what you see. It’s like the Matrix, but with shopping carts and blog posts.

What Google’s AI Search Shift Means Right Now

AI mode is more than a gimmick—it’s a whole new interface for the internet.
Gemini is unlocking English content for non-English users, including around global warming problems.
Ads are coming to AI search—but they'll be sneaky-smart, not loud and annoying.
Journalism isn’t dead, but it’s no longer the main character.
The web is about to split in two: one for people, one for bots.